VariousDirty Space Disco: Compiled By Dirty Sound SystemTigersushi
There’s no disco like space disco. While the youngsters are busy discovering Can and other experimental acts, the Tigersushi squadron has compiled a mix ripe with vintage, sci-fi drug-jams. Featuring Yellow Power, John Forde, Undisputed Truth, and others, Dirty Space Disco is the key to cosmic liberation.
Oh NoDoctor No’s Experiment Stones Throw
Don’t let anyone tell you that Turkish psych and Anatolian folk have nothing to do with hip-hop, because they do. Oxnard-based Oh No (a.k.a. Madlib’s bro) has channeled the raw spirit of global psychedelia into a 28-track beatscape that can be looped, cut, edited, and worshiped by indie hip-hoppers and acid trippers everywhere. This is the fire under hip-hop’s ass.
LiarsS/TMute
Things are getting really bizarre when the weirdos become normal. Not only does the latest LP from Liars have song titles under 10 words long, it also has actual rock songs with guitar solos, choruses, and nary a conceptual narrative in sight. Drum is certainly not dead–it just formed a garage band.
VariousComing Home: Compiled By Nouvelle VagueStereo Deluxe
Nouvelle Vague needs no introduction. The production duo has already rearranged post-punk icons Joy Division and Blondie on its last few releases, and the second edition of its Coming Home series is equally charming. Taking music from French films, the NV has reinvigorated tracks by Ennio Morricone, Serge Gainsbourg, and Phillipe Sarde. Bossa nova has never sounded so classy.
AlogAmateurRune Grammofon
Norway’s Alog breathes life into experimental music on its fourth LP. Recorded at numerous music schools all over Norway, with instruments the duo has never before played, Amateur’s organic immediacy is completely engrossing.
LawrenceLowlights From the Past and FutureMule Electronic
Lawrence is the king of minimalism. For his Mule debut, the producer brings a handful of Detroit rhythms and sounds to his deep house wonderland. With every click and noted drum kick, the sounds on Lowlights have their own well-formulated place. Featuring a remixes of Superpitcher, Turner, and Egoexpress, this LP is the perfect nightcap for a long dance session.
CaribouAndorraMerge
The latest from Caribou finds Dan Snaith ditching the sampler, singing like a non-suicidal Eliott Smith, and, of course, playing about a gazillion instruments. Andorra reveals his influences unabashedly (Beach Boys, Can), and the album’s that much better for it–the melodies are near perfect and the drums are ecstatic. Caribou just made a pop record.
LCD Soundsystem “All My Friends #1” DFA
The Franz Ferdinand cover of “All My Friends” on this 7” sounds a lot like New Order, and that’s just fine by us. The guitars sound fantastic and Alex Kapranos’ vocals are just as yearning and affected as Mr. Murphy’s. Skipping out on the usual remix treatment was a bold move, but DFA pulled it off as usual.
PinbackAutumn of the SeraphsTouch and Go
Pinback sounds exactly the same as ever, which is good enough for this office. The production on Autumn is far cleaner than previous works (which is rad, because it was recorded in the band’s home studio), and the band wasn’t afraid to pull a couple of electronic samples and drum sounds out of the digital woodwork. Though Rob’s often spotted with Venom t-shirts in press photos, this is PB’s most introspective work yet.
DatarockFa-Fa-FaNettwerk
While the single “Fa-Fa-Fa” plays like a vintage Rapture b-side, the remixes on this EP make a lukewarm track scalding hot. Bjorn Torske turns over a noisy-clank of a minimal edit, while Skatebard converts it into an italo-disco science experiment. Norway is a great place.
